N A T I O N A L B A N K P.O. BOX 5550 LICENSING AND SUPERVISION OF THE BUSINESS OF MICRO-FINANCING INSTITUTIONS

TELEGRAPHIC ADDRESS ¾ =ƒäåá wn?^ v ADDIS ABABA PLEASE ADDRESS ANYREPLY TO N A T I O N A L B A N K P.O. BOX 5550 TELEX 21020 CODES USED PETERSON 3 rd & 4 th ED. BENTLEY'S 2 nd PHRASE A. B. C. 6 th EDITION ADDIS ABABA 1. Issuing Authority LICENSING AND SUPERVISION OF THE BUSINESS OF MICRO-FINANCING INSTITUTIONS Directive No. MFI/01/96 MINIMUM PAID UP CAPITAL AND INFORMATION REQUIRED FROM APPLICANTS These directives are issued by the National Bank of Ethiopia pursuant to the authority vested in it by Article 41 of the Monetary and Banking Proclamation No. 83/1994 and by Article 5and 12 of the Licensing and Supervision of the Business of Micro-financing Institutions Proclamation No. 40/1996. 2. Minimum Capital An applicant for a license shall have the minimum paid-up capital of Birr 200,000 (Birr Two Hundred Thousand). 3. Information Required from Applicants 2.1 Evidence for paid up capital which includes certificate of deposit in a blocked subscription account and evidence for valuation of contributions in kind; 2.2 Memorandum and articles of association and proposed organizational chart of the institution with brief description of the functions of the main organizational units; 2.3 Proposed name of the institution; 1

2.4 Evidence of ownership, possession or lease agreement of an office building for items listed under sec. 10 of the application form attached hereto; 2.5 Work plan for the first year of operation, stating at least the following; a) Major financial services to be offered; b) Overview of the economic conditions of the area in which the institution intends to carry out its business; ¾ =ƒøåá wn?^ v c) Business plan covering the mobilization and channeling of funds and the steps to be undertaken to carry out this plan. d) Monthly cash flow projection for twelve months commencing from the time the institution starts its operations, and balance sheet and income statement projections; 2.6 Curriculum vitae of the proposed officers and directors including their age, marital status, education, employment history, experience and involvement in financial affairs, civic, social and charitable activities including any leadership position held; and 2.7 Duly completed application form as prescribed by the National Bank of Ethiopia and enclosure specified therein. 3. Fees 4.1 A Micro-financing Institution applying to undertake micro-financing business shall, at the time of lodging an application, pay an investigation fee of Birr 250.- (Birr Two Hundred Fifty); 4.2 A Micro-financing Institution licensed to undertake micro-financing business shall pay initial registration fee prescribed by the Ministry of Trade and Industry for registration of the Memorandum and Articles of Association; 4.3 A Micro-financing Institution licensed to undertake micro-financing business shall pay initial license fee of Birr 500.- (Birr Five Hundred); 4.4 A licensed Micro-financing Institution shall pay annual license renewal fee of Birr 300.- (Birr Three Hundred). These directives shall enter into force as of 21 st day of October 1996. Dubale Jale 2

Governor National Bank of Ethiopia APPLICATION FORM FOR A LICENSE TO CONDUCT MICRO-FINANCING BUSINESS 1. Name of applicant, designation and address 2. Proposed name of institution 3. Address and Proposed branches 3.1 Head Office Location Postal Address Tel. Fax. 3.2 Branch address (if any) Location Postal Address Tel. ¾ =ƒøåá wn?^ v 4. Particulars of founders and share holding Name Nationality Address Subscribed Shares (In Birr) Paid up 3

Total ¾ =ƒøåá wn?^ v 5. Particulars of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer* Name Age National Address Number of Shares Held 4

A. Directors B.Chief Executive Officer * Attach C.V. of each Director and Chief Executive Officer ¾ =ƒøåá wn?^ v 5

6. Financial services and operation of the institution: 6.1 Financial services the institution intends to carry out 6.2 The manner in which the institution intends to carry out its transactions and operations 7. Contributions made in cash and in kind 7.1 In cash Birr Birr) ) 7.2 In kind (specify the type of property and value in Birr and the manner of valuation) 8. Initial capital of the institution (in Birr) 8.1 Authorized capital Birr (Birr) ) 8.2 Subscribed capital Birr (Birr) ) 8.3 Paid-up capital Birr (Birr) ) ¾ =ƒøåá wn?^ v 9. Shares 9.1 Number of shares issued 9.1.1 Number of shared held by founders 9.1.2 Number of shares held by subscribers 9.2 Par value of each shares in Birr 6

10. Provide information on the manner of acquisition and cost of items listed there under* Item Manner of acquisition** Cost (in Birr) a) Building b) Land c) Vault d) Equipment e) Fixture f) Professional Services * Indicate if any of the items listed are acquired from related parties ** Lease, purchase, rent,. etc. 11. Gives statement that members of Board of Directors and Officers are vetted to fulfill the requirements stated under Article 18 of Proclamation No. 40/1996. ¾ =ƒøåá wn?^ v 12. Any other additional statements 13. Declaration I hereby confirm that the forgoing statements are true and correct. 7

Date Signature Name and official designation of the applicant LICENSING AND SUPERVISION OF THE BUSINESS OF MICRO-FINANCING INSTITUTIONS DIRECTIVE NO. MFI/02/96 CONTRIBUTION IN KIND 1. Issuing Authority These directives are issued by the National Bank of Ethiopia pursuant to the authority vested in it by Article 41 of the Monetary and Banking Proclamation No. 83/1994 and by Article 5(1) of the Licensing and Supervision of the Business of Micro-financing Institutions Proclamation No. 40/1996. 2. Contribution in kind 2.1 Items like building, essential vehicles, built in vault and others that are acceptable to the National Bank of Ethiopia may be considered as capital contribution; 2.2 Contributions in kind should be valued by professional and certified valures acceptable to the National Bank of Ethiopia; 2.3 Capital contributions in kind shall not be considered for the purpose of fulfilling minimum required capital and shall not exceed 10% (ten percent) of paid up capital in excess of the minimum required capital. These directives shall enter into force as of 21 st day of October 1996. Dubale Jale Governor National Bank of Ethiopia 8

LICENSING AND SUPERVISION OF THE BUSINESS OF MICRO-FINANCING INSTITUTIONS DIRECTIVE NO. MFI/03/96 CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS 1. Issuing Authority These directives are issued by the National Bank of Ethiopia pursuant to the authority vested in it by Article 41 of the Monetary and Banking Proclamation No. 83/1994 and by Article 4(1) (d) of the Licensing and Supervision of the Business of Micro-financing Institutions Proclamation No. 40/1996. 4. Criteria for Selection of the Chief Executive Officer 4.1 Education A minimum of first degree in the field of social science or equivalent in relevant field. 4.2 Employment A minimum of three (3) years experience in a senior post in a financial institution or related institutions. 4.3 Age A minimum of 30 years 4.4 Marital Status Preferably married or responsible to a family ¾ =ƒøåá wn?^ v 5. Criteria for Selection of Members of the Board of Directors 3.1 Education Completion of high school education wit ability to read and grasp reports 3.2 Employment Members of the Board of Directors shall preferably have adequate managerial experience in business and/or similar organizations. 3.3 Age A minimum of 25 years. 9

These directives shall enter into once as of 21 st day of October 1996. Dubale Jale Governor National Bank of Ethiopia 1. Issuing Authority LICENSING AND SUPERVISION OF THE BUSINESS OF MICRO-FINANCING INSTITUTIONS Directive No. MFI/04/96 CONDITIONS TO BE MET PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS These directives are issued by the National Bank of Ethiopia pursuant to the authority vested in it by Article 41 of the Monetary and Banking Proclamation No. 83/1994 and by Article 7 of the Licensing and Supervision of the Business of Micro-financing Institutions Proclamation No. 40/1996. 2. Conditions for the Commencement of Operation A licensed institution shall be authorized to commence operations where it informs in writing the National Bank of Ethiopia at least 30(thirty) days prior to the actual commencement of its operations and where: a) A title deed or a signed lease agreement whichever is applicable for the premises is acquired and ready for commencement of operation; b) The fixed assets registered are in place; c) A detailed operational policy and plans and the relevant manuals are available; and d) Additionally, every institution should provide evidence to the Bank that all the conditions required under the license are met These directives shall enter into once as of 21 st day of October 1996. 10

1. Issuing Authority LICENSING AND SUPERVISION OF THE BUSINESS OF MICRO-FINANCING INSTITUTIONS Directive No. MFI/05/96 LOAN POLICY, LIMIT, PERIOD AND PROVISIONS These directives are issued by the National Bank of Ethiopia pursuant to the authority vested in it by Article 41 of the Monetary and Banking Proclamation No. 83/1994 and by Article 12(2) of the Licensing and Supervision of the Business of Micro-financing Institutions Proclamation No. 40/1996. 2. Loan Policy In the granting of loans, the institution shall give preference to the application of marginal farmers of the rural community and to the application of the rural and urban communities engaged in micro-economic activities whose cash requirements are small. 3. Single Borrower Loan Limit Loans extended to any one borrower by a licensed institution shall not at any one time exceed Birr Five Thousand (Birr 5,000.-). 3. Single Loan Period Repayment of loans shall not exceed 12 (twelve) months; however, considering the nature of the enterprise for which the loan is extended and repayment performance the institutions may reschedule such loans. ¾ =ƒøåá wn?^ v 4. Provisions 5.1 Provision for depreciation of fixed assets shall be made out of the annual income of the licensed institution in accordance with the law. 11

5.2 For provisioning purposes loans shall be categorized into two groups: bad loans/loss/and doubtful loans. 5.3 A loan is deemed bad loan/loss when the loan or outstanding balance has been overdue for more than one year and the borrower has no capacity to make further payments. 5.4 A loan is deemed doubtful when the monthly payment of the loan or outstanding balance is in arrears for more than six months. 5.5 Amounts of provision shall be for: Bad loans 100% Doubtful loans 50% 5.6 Operating and accumulated losses shall be provided for from the annual net profit until such losses are fully covered. 5.7 Interest income on bad and doubtful loans shall not be accrued as income. Such interest income shall only be taken up as income when actual payments are made. Only on full settlement of the arrears or overdue loans may the institution accrue interest on these facilities. These directives shall enter into once as of 21 st day of October 1996. Dubale Jale Governor National Bank of Ethiopia LICENSING AND SUPERVISION OF THE BUSINESS OF MICRO-FINANCING INSTITUTIONS Directive No. MFI/06/96 INVESTMENT IN EQUITIES OF ALLIED ACTIVITIES 1. Issuing Authority These directives are issued by the National Bank of Ethiopia pursuant to the authority vested in it by Article 41 of the Monetary and Banking Proclamation No. 83/1994 and by Article 25 of the Licensing and Supervision of the Business of Micro-financing Institutions Proclamation No. 40/1996. 2. Investment in Allied Activities 12

2.1 Licensed institutions may invest in equities of allied activities provided that the total investment shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the equity capital of the institution. 2.2 The equity investment of a licensed institution in any single enterprise shall be limited to three percent (3%) of the net worth of the institution. 2.3 Allied activities include:- a) Bank, financial institutions and non-bank financial intermediaries; b) Warehousing and other pre/post-harvest facilities; c) Agricultural inputs and farm equipment distribution; d) Trucking and transportation of agricultural products; e) Other activities as may be determined by the National Bank of Ethiopia. These directives shall enter into once as of 21 st day of October 1996. 1. Issuing Authority LICENSING AND SUPERVISION OF THE BUSINESS OF MICRO-FINANCING INSTITUTIONS Directive No. MFI/07/96 BRANCHES These directives are issued by the National Bank of Ethiopia pursuant to the authority vested in it by Article 41 of the Monetary and Banking Proclamation No. 83/1994 and by Article 14 of the Licensing and Supervision of the Business of Micro-financing Institutions Proclamation No. 40/1996. 3. Opening of Branch Offices 2.1 Every licensed institution may open new branches or subsidiaries or offices without prior approval of the National Bank of Ethiopia. 2.2 Every licensed institution which has opened new branch office shall in writing inform the National Bank of Ethiopia the full address, date of commencement of operation, and an overview of the economic conditions of the area where the new branch is situated not later than fifteen days after the commencement of operation. 5. Closure of Branch Offices 5.1 Closure of Branch office of a licensed institution may only be conducted after obtaining approval from the National Bank of Ethiopia. 13

5.2 An application for closure of a branch office shall be submitted by the board of directors of the concerned institution at least three months prior to conducting the intended closure of the branch office These directives shall enter into once as of 21 st day of October 1996. Licensing and Supervision of the Business of Micro-financing Institution Directive No. MFI/08/96 Financial Records and Information 1. Issuing Authority These directives are issued by the National Bank of Ethiopia pursuant to the authority vested in it by article 41 of the Monetary and Banking Proclamation No. 83/1994 and Article 12 (2) of the Licensing and Supervision of the Business of Micro-Financing Institutions Proclamation No. 40/1996. 2. Forms and Entries Records shall be kept and reports shall be submitted to the National Bank of Ethiopia in the from and manner as shown in the tables attached herewith which shall be part hereof. 3. Effective Date These directives shall enter into force as of 21 st day of October 1996. Dubale Jale Governor National Bank of Ethiopia ¾ =ƒøåá wn?^ v Profit and Loss Statement (Quarterly) FROM MFI/001 Name of Institution: Period Ending: 14

Income (Birr 000) 1. Interest income from loans 2. Service charge and commissions 3. Income from Investment in allied activities 4. Other operating Income Total Income Expenses 5. Employees salaries 6. Employees benefits 7. Other administrative expenses 8. Loan losses (Provisions) 9. Interest expenses 10. General expenses Total Expenses 11. Net Operating Profit/Loss Name of Officer Designation Signature Date ¾ =ƒøåá wn?^ v From MFI/002 Balance Sheet (Quarterly) Name of Institution: 15

Period Ending: Assets Amount Liabilities & Capital Amount 1. Cash in hand 1. Savings 2. Cash in banks 2. Other deposits 3. Short term investment 3. Borrowing from NBE 4. Loans 4. Borrowing from other banks 5. Long term investment 5. Borrowing from non-banks 6. Fixed assets and inventory 6. Other short term liabilities 7. Other assets 7. Other long-term liabilities 8. Paid-in equity (shareholders) 9. Donated equity 10. Other capital accounts 11. Profit/Loss (Birr 000 Total Total Off balance sheet items 1. Unused credit facilities extended to customers 2. Other items Total Name of Officer Designation Signature Date ¾ =ƒøåá wn?^ v 4. Repeal Interest rate Directive No. MFI/11/98 is hereby repealed and replaced by these Directives. 5. Effective Date 16

These Directives shall be effective as of the 1 st day of August 1998. Teklewold Atnafu Governor National Bank of Ethiopia ¾ =ƒøåá wn?^ v From MFI/003 Credit and Saving Performance Name of Institution: Period Ending: No. of Accounts 1. Total loans outstanding 2. Loans disbursed during the reporting period 3. Total saving mobilized Compulsory Savings Voluntary Savings Amount (Birr 000 Name of Officer Designation Signature Date ¾ =ƒøåá wn?^ v From MFI/00 17

Unpaid Balance of Loans and Provisions Name of Institution: Period Ending: Risk Classification No. of Accounts Amount 1. Doubtful loans 2. Bad loans 3. Total bad & doubtful loans 4. Less: realizable value of security (if any) 5. Specific provision required 6. Specific provision held 7. Excess/shortfall 8. General provisions held (if any) (Birr 000 Name of Officer Designation Signature Date 1. Issuing Authority Licensing and Supervision of the Business of Micro-financing Institutions Directive No. MFI/12/98 Amendment of Interest Rates 18

These directives are issued by the National Bank of Ethiopia pursuant to the authority vested in it by Article 41 of the Monetary and Banking Proclamation No. 83/1994 and by Article 12(2) (1) of the Licensing and Supervision of the Business of Micro-financing Institutions Proclamation No. 40/1996. 2. Interest Rates 2.1 Deposit Rates a) The minimum interest rate paid per annum by Micro-financing Institutions on savings and time deposits shall be 6% (six percent). b) The Board of Directors of each Micro-financing Institution may set deposit rate that are higher than the minimum rate specified under 2.1 (a) hereinabove. 2.2 Lending Interest Rates The interest rates to be charged on loans and advances extended by a microfinancing institution shall be determined by the Board of Directors of each microfinancing institution. 3. Reporting Requirement Each Micro-financing Institution shall promptly report to the National Bank of Ethiopia its deposit and lending interest rates set by its Board of Directors from time to time. Licensing and Supervision of the Business of Micro-financing Institutions Directive No. MFI/13/2002 Amendment of INTEREST RATES 1. Issuing Authority This directive is issued by the National Bank of Ethiopia pursuant to the authority vested in it by Article 41 of the Monetary and Banking Proclamation No. 83/1994 and by Article 12(2) of the Licensing and Supervision of the Business of Micro-financing Institutions Proclamation No. 40/1996. 2. Interest Rates 19

2.1 Deposit Rates a) Each micro-finance institution is free to set the interest rate it Shall pay on demand deposits; b) The minimum interest rate that shall be paid per annum by microfinancing institutions on savings and time deposits shall be 3% (three percent); c) The Board of Directors of each micro-financing institution may set deposit rates that are higher than the minimum rate specified under 2.1 (a) herein above. 2.2 Lending Interest Rates The interest rate to be charged on loans and advances extended by a microfinancing institution shall be determined by the Board of Directors of each microfinancing institution. 3. Reporting Requirement Each micro-financing institution shall promptly report to the National Bank of Ethiopia its deposit and lending interest rates set by its Board of Directors from time to time. ¾ =ƒøåá wn?^ v 4. Repeal Interest rate Directive No. MFI/12/98 is hereby repealed and replaced by this Directive. 5. Effective Date This directive shall be effective as of the 4 th day of March 2002. Teklewold Atnafu Governor National Bank of Ethiopia Licensing and Supervision of the Business Of Micro-financing Institutions Directive No. MFI/14/2002 Penalty for Failure to Comply with the Requirements of Proclamation No. 40/1996 and Directives of the National Bank of Ethiopia 20

1. Issuing Authority These directives are issued by the National Bank of Ethiopia pursuant to the authority vested in it by article 41 of the Monetary and Banking proclamation No. 83/1994 and by article 25 of the Licensing and Supervision of the Business of Micro-financing Institutions Proclamation No. 40/1996. 2. Penalty 2.1 A micro-finance institution that fails to comply with, or violates the requirements of, any of the provisions of the Licensing and Supervision of the Business of Micro-financing Institutions Proclamation No. 40/1996 or any of the directives of the National Bank of Ethiopia shall be liable to a penalty of Birr3,000 (three thousand birr). article 2.1 herein above shall be subject to an interest charge on the penalty amount assessed at the rate of twice the maximum annual lending rate of the concerned institution multiplied by the number of days for which the penalty amount remains outstanding. The number of days shall be counted starting one week after the date on which the micro-finance institution is notified of the imposition of penalty by letter, 2.2 A micro-finance institution that fails to pay the penalty imposed on it according to fax or telephone. ¾ =ƒøåá wn?^ v 2.3 Notwithstanding the above, penalty in the case of external audit and license renewal shall be imposed on a micro-finance institution if it:- (a) fails to submit to the National Bank of Ethiopia an external audit report within six months from the end of its financial year; (b) fails to renew its business license within one month from the date of expiry. 2.4 In the case of a micro-finance institution that has been penalized three times according to article 2.1 herein above, the National Bank of Ethiopia shall order the 21

removal of the Chief Executive Officer of the concerned institution from his office and his replacement by a duly qualified individual. 3. Scope of Application The provisions of these directives shall be applicable on all micro-finance institutions licensed under Licensing and Supervision of the Business of Micro-financing Proclamation No. 40/1996. 4. Waiver The National Bank of Ethiopia may waive imposition of the penalties set out under articles 2 herein above if the circumstances that led to non-compliance are found acceptable. 5. Effective Date These directives shall come into force as of the 1 st day of May 2002. Teklewold Atnafu Governor National Bank of Ethiopia Licensing and Supervision of the Business of Micro-financing Institutions Directive No. MFI/15/2002 1. Issuing Authority Minimum Liquidity Requirement These directives are issued by the National Bank of Ethiopia pursuant to the authority vested in it by article 41 of the Monetary and Banking Proclamation No. 83/1994 and by article 25 of the 22

Licensing and Supervision of the Business of Micro-financing Institutions Proclamation No. 40/1996. 2. Definitions 2.1 Deposits shall mean any regular or irregular savings which-may be withdrawn partially or totally at any time by the account holder; 2.2 Liquid Assets shall mean cash on hand, balances on deposit with banks and/or microfinance institutions, short-term debt instruments such as treasury bills or other instruments that can be easily converted into cash without much loss in value; 2.3 Savings shall mean non-withdrawable mandatory or regular savings of members of a micro-financing institution; 2.4 Short-term shall mean the time period extending up to 12 months; 2.5 Total Deposits shall mean the sum of savings and deposits. ¾ =ƒäâá wn?^ v 3. Minimum Requirement 3.1 Micro-finance institutions shall maintain at all times liquid assets at least equal to 20 (twenty) percent of their total deposits; 3.2 For the purpose of monitoring compliance with the requirements set out under article 3.1 herein above, each micro-finance institution shall submit to the Supervision Department of the National Bank of Ethiopia quarterly Liquidity Report within three weeks after the end of each month prepared in the manner shown in the attached table which shall be part of these directives. 4. Scope of Application 23

These directives shall be applicable only on micro-finance institutions that have re-registered with the National Bank of Ethiopia in accordance with article 10 of the Licensing and Supervision of the Business of Micro-financing Institutions Proclamation No. 40/1996 and micro-finance institutions whose total deposits equal or exceed birr 1 (one) million. 5. Effective Date These directives shall come into force as of the 1 st day of May 2002. Teklewold Atnafu Governor National Bank of Ethiopia ¾ =ƒäâá wn?^ v Liquidity Report Reporting Institution: Period Covered: 1. Liquid Assets (Total) 1.1 Cash 1.2 Deposit with Banks and/or Micro-finance Institutions 1.3 Treasury bills 1.4 Other (specify) 2. Total Deposits 3. Ratio of Liquid Assets to Total deposits(%) Amount 24

Licensing and Supervision of the Business of Micro-financing Institutions Directive No. MFI/16/2002 Minimum Capital Ratio to be Maintained by Micro-finance Institutions 1. Issuing Authority These directives are issued by the National Bank of Ethiopia pursuant to the authority vested in it by Article 41 of the Monetary and Banking Proclamation No. 83/1994 and by article 25 of the Licensing and Supervision of the Business of Micro-financing Institutions Proclamation No. 40/1996. 2. Definitions 2.1 Deposits shall mean any regular or irregular savings which may be withdrawn partially or totally at any time by the account holder; 2.2 Savings shall mean non-withdrawable mandatory or regular savings of members of a micro-financing institution; 2.3 Total Capital shall mean the sum of paid-up capital, donated capital, retained earnings and any other free reserves of a Micro-finance institution; 2.4 Total Deposits shall mean the sum of savings and deposits. ¾ =ƒäâá wn?^ v 2.5 Total Risk-weighted Assets shall mean assets of a Micro-finance institution determined by weighting each asset item by the weight assigned to it and aggregating 25

the result so obtained in accordance with the table attached herewith which shall be a part hereof. 3. Minimum Requirement 3.1 A Micro-finance Institution shall maintain at all times a minimum capital ratio of 12% (twelve percent) computed as a ratio of total capital to total risk-weighted assets. 3.2 For the purpose of monitoring compliance with the requirement set out under 3.1 herein above, each micro-finance institution shall submit to the Supervision Department of the National Bank of Ethiopia a quarterly Capital Position report within three weeks after the close of each quarter in the manner shown in the attached table. 4. Scope of Application The provisions of these directives shall be applicable only on Micro-finance Institutions which have re-registered with the National Bank of Ethiopia in line with article 10 of the Licensing and Supervision of the Business of Micro-financing Proclamation No. 40/1996 and microfinance institutions whose total deposits equal or exceed birr 1 (one) million. 5. Effective Date These directives shall come into force as of the 1 st day of May 2002. Teklewold Atnafu Governor National Bank of Ethiopia ¾ =ƒäâá wn?^ v CAPITAL POSITION REPORT Reporting Institution: Period Covered: 26

Assets Amount Weight (%) Risk-weighted Amount c= (a) x (b) (a) (b) Cash on hand 0 Deposits with banks - With NBE 0 - With other banks 20 Prepayments 0 Receivables 100 Claims on Government - Federal Government 0 - Regional Government 20 Loans and Advances less provisions - Fully secured by cash, - Federal Government securities of guaranteed by Federal Government 0 27

¾ =ƒäâá wn?^ v - Fully secured / guaranteed by Regional government 20 - All other loans and advances 100 Investments 100 Fixed Assets less Depreciation 100 Total Risk-weighted assets xxxxxx xxxxxx Total Capital Ratio of Total Capital to Risk-weighted Assets (%) Licensing and Supervision of the Business of Micro-financing Institutions Directive No. MFI/17/2002 Limits on Loans, Repayment Period and Provisioning Requirement 1. Issuing Authority These directives are issued by the National Bank of Ethiopia pursuant to the power vested in it by article 41 of the Monetary and Banking Proclamation and article 25 of the Licensing and Supervision of the Business of Micro-financing Institutions Proclamation No. 40/1996. 28

2. Definition 2.1 "Deposits" shall mean any regular or irregular savings which may be withdrawn partially or totally at any time by the account holder; 2.2 "Non-performing Loans" for the purpose of these directives shall mean outstanding loans and advances of a micro-financing institution that are past due for more than 90 days; 2.3 "Saving " shall mean non-withdrawable mandatory or regular savings of members of micro-financing institution; 2.4 "Total Capital" shall mean the sum of paid-up capital, donated capital, retained earnings and any other free reserves of a micro-finance institution; 2.5 "Total Deposits" shall mean the sum of "savings" and "deposits' ¾ =ƒäâá wn?^ v 3. Limitations on Loans and Repayment period 3.1 A micro-finance institution may grant fresh loans exceeding the ceiling prescribed by Directive No. MFI/05/96. However, the aggregate amount of such loans extended in any one year shall not exceed 20% (twenty percent) of the total disbursement of the micro-finance institution in the preceding year. 3.2 The maximum loan amount extended to any one borrower in line with article 3.1 herein above shall not exceed 0.5% (half a percent) of the total capital of a microfinance institution. 3.3 The maximum repayment period for the loans extended in line with article 3.1 and 3.2 herein above shall not exceed 5 (five) years. 29

3.4 All other loans of a micro-finance institution (a) extended to any one borrower shall not at any one time exceed Birr5,000 (five thousand birr) and (b) repayment period of such loans shall not exceed 24 (twenty four) months. 4. Lending to Non-members and Type of Collateral Micro-finance institutions shall predominantly make credit available on the basis of group guarantee and to borrowers who have joined a membership arrangement. However, they may also lend on a limited scale to non-members on the basis of physical or other collateral. 5. Minimum Provisioning Requirement 5.1 For the purpose of provisioning. Micro-finance institutions shall classify nonperforming loans into the following three categories on the basis of number of days past due. ¾ =ƒäâá wn?^ v Category Number of days Past due i) Substandard 91-180 days ii) Doubtful 181-365 days iii) Loss Over 365 days 5.2 Micro-finance institutions shall hold the following minimum provisions against each category of non-performing loans. Category Minimum Requirement i) Substandard 25% of the outstanding balance ii) Doubtful 50% of the outstanding balance iii) Loss 100% of the outstanding balance 5.3 Micro-finance institutions shall deduct from the outstanding balance of non-performing loans any deposits held with the institutions as security against the loans before making the provisions set out under article 5.2 herein above. 30

6. Scope of Application The provisions of article 3(1), 3(2), 3(3) and article 5 of these directives shall be applicable only on micro-finance institutions re-registered with the National Bank of Ethiopia according to article 10 of the Licensing and Supervision of the Business of Micro-financing Institutions Proclamation No. 40/1996 and micro-finance institutions and whose total deposits equal or exceed birr 1 (one) million. The remaining articles of the directives shall be applicable on all micro-finance institutions licensed in accordance with Proclamation No. 40/1996. 7. Effective Date These directives shall come into force as of the 1 st day of May 2002. Teklewold Atnafu Governor of national bank 31

TELEGRAPHIC ADDRESS ¾ = ƒ Ä å Á w N? ^ v ADDIS ABABA PLEASE ADDRESS ANY REPLY TO N A T I O N B A N K P.O. BOX 5550 TELEX 21020 Licensing and Supervision of The Business of ADDIS ABABA CODES USED Micro-financing Institutions PETERSON 3 rd & 4 th ED. BENTLEY'S 2 nd PHRASE A. B. C. 6 th EDITION Directive No. MFI/18/06 Limit on Loans, Repayment Period and Provisioning Requirement 1. Issuing Authority These directives are issued by the National Bank of Ethiopia pursuant to the authority vested in it by Article 41 of the Monetary and Banking Proclamation No. 83/1994 and by Article 25 of the Licensing and Supervision of the Business of Microfinancing Institutions Proclamation No. 40/1996. 2. Definitions 2.1 " The Bank" shall mean the National Bank of Ethiopia. 2.2 " Non performing loans" means outstanding credit facilities that are past due for more than 90 days beyond the agreed-upon repayment period. 1

¾ =ƒøåá wn?^ v 2.3 "restructured loan" means a loan, which has been refinanced, rescheduled or otherwise modified at favorable terms and conditions due to weaknesses in the borrower's financial condition or ability to repay. 3. Objectives of the Directive: The objectives of these directives are: a) To enable microfinance institutions to meet the credit needs of their clients in a flexible manner; b) To limit risk concentration by diversifying the loan portfolio; c) To ensure that microfinance institutions recognize their non-performing loans in a manner that is consistent with the risk profile of their clients and that timely actions are taken with respect to such loans; d) To ensure that microfinance institutions properly reflect in their financial statements the financial impact of non-performing loans. 2

¾ =ƒøåá wn?^ v 4. Loan Limits and Repayment Periods 4.1 Total loans extended by a microfinance institution to any single borrower shall at no time exceed 1% (one percent) of the total capital of the microfinance institution. 4.2 Total loans extended by a microfinance institution to a group of borrowers on the basis of group guarantee shall at no time exceed 4% (four percent) of the total capital of the microfinance institution. 4.3 The maximum repayment period of the loans extended in line with articles 4.1 and 4.2 here in above shall not exceed 5 (five) years. 5. Individual Lending Micro finance Institutions shall predominantly make credit available on the basis of group guarantee to members who have joined a membership arrangement. However, they may also lend on a limited scale to individuals on the basis of collateral or otherwise. 6. Conditions to Categorize a Loan as Non-performing A loan shall be categorized as a non-performing loan when principal and/or interest due in line with the contractual agreement is unpaid for more than ninety days. For the purpose of these directives the entire outstanding loan (and not the installments that have not been repaid) shall be classified as non-performing. 3

¾ =ƒøåá wn?^ v 7. Loan Classification and Minimum Provisioning Requirement 7.1 Classification of loans Non-performing loans and advances of a microfinance institution shall be classified into the following three categories based on the number of days the loan is past due: Category Number of Days Past due a) Substandard - 91-180 days b) Doubtful - 181-365 days c) Loss - over 365 days 7.2 Provisioning 7.2.1 Non-performing loans of a microfinance institution shall be subject to the following minimum provisioning requirements: Category Minimum Provisions a) Substandard - 25 % of the entire outstanding loan b) Doubtful - 50 % of the entire outstanding loan c) Loss - 100 % of the entire outstanding loan 4

¾ =ƒøåá wn?^ v 7.2.2 Notwithstanding the classification criteria used for the "substandard" category set out under 7.1.1 herein above, restructured non-performing loans shall be categorized, at a minimum, as "substandard": a) Unless equivalent of at least all past due interest is paid by the borrower in cash at the time of restructuring of the loan and, b) Unless 3 (three) consecutive repayments are made by the borrower on a timely manner in accordance with the restructured terms of the loan. 7.2.3 Microfinance institutions may deduct from the outstanding loan any cash deposit balances or Federal Government securities held as collateral against the loan before computing the required minimum provisions in line with sub-article 7.2.1 herein above. 7.2.4 Every microfinance institution shall categorize all its non-performing loans into the classification categories set out under 7.1 and set aside provisions set out under 7.2.1 on a quarterly basis and send the report to the Bank within four weeks from the end of the quarter. The Board of Directors of each microfinance institution shall review and approve on a quarterly basis the loan classifications and the amounts of provision set aside by the management of the institution. 5

¾ =ƒøåá wn?^ v 7.2.5 The outstanding balance shall consist of the principal and all other charges, fees and other amounts which have been capitalized to the outstanding balance. 8. Income Recognition From the effective date of these directives, interest income on loans classified as non-performing shall not be recognized in the Income or Profit or Loss Statement of a microfinance institution as income unless collected in cash. 9. Reporting Requirement Every microfinance institution shall report, on a quarterly basis, to the Bank its loan classification and provisioning in the manner as shown in the formats attached with these directives. 10. Scope of Application The provisions of these directives shall be applicable on all microfinance institutions. 6

¾ =ƒøåá wn?^ v 11. Repeal: Directives No. MFI/05/96 and No. MFI/17/02 are hereby repealed and replaced by these directives. 12. Effective date These directives shall be effective as of 6 th day of December 2006. Name of MFI Quarter Ending 1. Loan Portfolio Report National Bank of Ethiopia I Description Total Number of Clients Current Quarter Previous Quarter 1. Number of new borrowers 2. Number of existing borrowers 3. Total number of borrowers II Portfolio status 4. Number of loans disbursed 5. Value of loans disbursed (in '000's of Birr) 7

6. Number of outstanding loans 7. Value of outstanding loans 8. Average loan size (7/6) III Deposits 9. Number of clients 10. Savings deposits ( "000 in birr) 11. Time deposits ( " " " ) 12. Current accounts ( " " " ) Total 8

2. Loan Portfolio: Aging and Provisioning Report Description Number of Loans in Arrears ( a ) Outstanding Loan ( b ) Acceptable Collateral (as specified in these directives) ( c ) Outstanding Balance Net of Collateral b - c = d Provisioning rate (%) ( e ) Required Provision s ('000 birr) d x e = f Actual Provisions ( g ) Substandard 25 Doubtful 50 Loss 100 Total 3. Total Amount of Loans Written off in the Reporting Quarter ('000 birr) 9

Licensing and Supervision of the Business of Micro-financing Institutions Directive No. MFI/19/2007 Interest Rates Applicable to Micro-financing Institutions 1. Issuing Authority This directive is issued by National Bank of Ethiopia pursuant to the authority vested in it by Article 41 of the Monetary and Banking Proclamation No. 83/1994 and Article 12(2)(f) of the Licensing and Supervision of Microfinancing Institutions Proclamation No. 40/1996. 2. Short Title This Directive may be cited as Interest Rates applicable to Micro-financing Institutions Directive No. MFI/19/2007. 3. Application of Directive No. NBE/INT/10/2007 3.1 Directive No. NBE/INT/10/2007 shall apply to all micro-financing institutions. 10

3.2 In applying Directive No. NBE/INT/10/2007 the word bank(s) shall be replaced by microfinancing institution(s). ¾ =ƒäåá wn?^ v National Bank of Ethiopia 4. Repeal Directive No. MFI/13/2002 is hereby repealed and replaced by this directive. 5. Effective Date This Directive shall be effective as of the first day of August 2007. 11